Paris is one of my favourite places in the world and for me, the Eiffel Tower sums the city up perfectly. I took this photo on a hazy summer’s day a couple of years ago, but I have many other images of the iconic landmark – in summer, spring, winter and autumn. Since I was a little girl when one of my most treasured possessions, a bracelet, featured an engraving of the Eiffel Tower, it has always seemed a place of wonder. My first visit was on a school trip back in the 70s and I cannot remember how many times it has featured in trips since, whether as a destination, climbing to the top or as a backdrop on the city skyline.After university I lived in Paris for a year or so, but the tower never lost its magic, despite seeing it every day. I took photographs of it dressed in its Millennium lights and even when it was not looking its best and covered in scaffolding. It’s one of those things in life that contributes to defining who you are – I have so many memories tied up in it.

Better late than never, this is my first time joining in with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers, which is celebrating 100 weeks

As with cosmetics, the home sector has really gone to town over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and boy there is some awful stuff out there. However, there are some pretty good pieces too, and even when they’re perhaps not particularly stylish they possess that kitsch quality, which means they will take pride of place in lots of homes.

Here are a few of my favourites from the many cups, linens, decorations and items of furniture I have seen over the past few weeks. That’s not to say I would give them all house room, but they do have a certain something…

This Queen chair in 100% merino wool is finished in a Union Jack pattern and was
created by designer Melanie Porter for Natuzzi. It is on display in Natuzzi’s Tottenham Court
Road store from 28 May until 10 June, after which time it will be auctioned to raise money for charity

Back view – this chair looks so comfy!


Why is it women like cushions and men don’t? what’s wrong with them? Cushions make a room cosy and a sofa squishy. This one will also provide a talking point. Union Jack cushion in silk, £120, from Moghul Interiors, www.moghulinteriors.com

I don’t own a tea pot but if I did this is the tea cosy I would like I think. Tea cosies are so old fashioned and
remind me of growing up in the 1970s and 1980s – back then no self-respecting tea pot would be seen without one.
£49 from Iapetus, www.iapetus.co.uk

Makes a change from the flags and red, white and blue. Linen tea towel, £12.99,
designed by Maria Holmer Dahlgren and available from The Contemporary Home, www.tch.net

That cake looks good. The Alison Gardiner Diamond Jubilee Collection
tarts at £12.95 from Roman At Home, www.romanathome.com

Picture postcard – Paris

Better late than never, this is my first time joining in with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers, which is celebrating 100 weeks

John 1988 – 2012

Diamond Jubilee at home